New Nancy Guthrie ransom text deemed not credible, investigators say

Investigators have determined that a possible ransom text related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is not credible, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced Tuesday.

The department and the FBI task force working on the case learned of the message Monday and reviewed it.

“Anyone who receives a text message or other communication related to Nancy Guthrie is encouraged to report it to law enforcement,” Sheriff Chris Nanos said in the announcement. “We also urge the public to remain vigilant, as scammers may attempt to take advantage of this situation.”

Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of NBC “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing Feb. 1. Investigators believe she was taken against her will from her Tucson residence in the early morning hours.

Authorities warn of potential scams

Multiple media organizations have received purported ransom notes and shared them with investigators.

Earlier this year, a California man was arrested and accused of sending a fake ransom demand to try to scam Guthrie’s family out of money.

“Do not send money or provide personal information in response to unsolicited messages,” Nanos said. “Investigators will continue to review reported messages for credibility and investigate any potential attempts at extortion.”

Earlier ransom notes released to the public

In July, the department released two purported ransom notes sent to KOLD News shortly after Guthrie disappeared, hoping someone would recognize the writing style.

The first, which was sent Feb. 2 and claimed Guthrie was safe but scared, demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency. It said the amount would increase if the initial demand went unmet and threatened to kill her if the ransom wasn’t paid.

The second, sent Feb. 6, claimed Guthrie had died shortly after she was taken and was “buried in nature now.”

How to share information

The Guthrie family is offering a $1 million reward for information on the case. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

The Associated Press and KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Kylie Werner contributed to this report.

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